College Football Picks Week 2

One week of picks in the book and if you rolled with me last week then you're already a winner. Sure, I only went 8-7 but it was a solid 8-7. With the exception of whiffing big on Auburn/Wazzu, Boise/Washington and Miss State/Okie State I looked almost knowlegable. And as Bo Pelini would say this is easily improvable. We shall see.

Here's this week's games. My picks are in bold.

South Florida at Michigan State -24 Nobody circles the wagons like the South Florida Bulls. Well, until the wheels come off. Willie Taggart may have done great things at Western Kentucky but losing to McNeese State 53-21 shows he has a lot of work to do or that he's not as good as his bio. Even Andrew Maxwell is licking his chops to play the Bulls. MSU romps in this one.

Western Kentucky at Tennessee -14 Speaking of Western Kentucky, the Hilltoppers have lost no ground after Taggart's departure with a solid win against Kentucky last week. Bobby Petrino is staying off the motorbikes and the females for now. Can he keep it within two touchdowns against the Vols? Why not? I'll take the points.

San Diego State at Ohio State -29.5 Unless Eastern Illinois is the Ohio Valley's version of a BCS buster then the Aztecs have taken a huge step back since Brady Hoke left. Expect Urban Meyer to give Hoke's old school a festive shot to the chops. A 30 point win should be no problem.

Oregon -24 at Virginia A 19-16 win against BYU is a nice start to the season for Virginia but its not much of a warm up for what's heading to town. Oregon wasn't lavished with much love for whopping Nicholls State last week. The Ducks will want something to brag about. I'll give the 24.

South Carolina at Georgia -3 I picked against the team from the Palmetto state last week when it played Georgia. I won't make the same mistake again. Expect Connor Shaw to do just enough to complement what should be another decent night for Mike Davis and the Gamecock defense will present a stiffer challenge than the Dawgs faced kast week. I'll take the 3 points.

Southern Mississippi at Nebraska -29.5 Nebraska pretty much ruined what should have been a great college football Saturday for me last week. The Huskers won't do the same this week and it won't be due to improved defensive play. I just refuse to be fooled again. Southern Miss may have dropped a home game to Texas State last week but until I see any different the Blackshirts give me enough reason to take the opponent, especially when given almost 30 points.

Louisiana Lafayette at Kansas State -10.5 I can't say I was upset to see the Wildcats get beat by a FCS team led by a former Husker but don't expect that to continue. This week's opponent Louisiana Lafayette gave up a big day to another quarterback trying to find his way in Arkansas' Brandon Allen. Expect KSU passer Jake Waters to find his football and cut down on the picks. I'll give the points.

Texas -7.5 at BYU Some home dogs made me look foolish last week but my old pals the Longhorns will win back some of my credability this week. I'll take Texas even though Mack was too stupid to take Jameis Winston.

UAB at LSU -36 LSU looked pretty damn impressive against the Horned Frogs in Dallas last week. Now its time for the letdown game. Relax Tigers, that just means not hanging half a hundred on a UAB squad that fough hard against Troy last week on the road. I'll take the big spread and the Blazers.

West Virginia at Oklahoma -21 Oklahoma started off the Trevor Knight era with a solid win against a Louisiana Monroe squad that snuck up on some teams last season. West Virginia outlasted William & Mary at home with a TD with three minutes to play. One of these things is not like the other. The Mountaineers will struggle to stop Oklahoma and without Geno Smith, I'm not sure if West Virginia can keep up on offense.

 Arkansas State at Auburn -13 I had Auburn pegged for a better squad than the one that edged out Mike Leach's Wazzu squad. The Tigers were saved by some timely interceptions but the story was when Leach had the Cougs run the ball. Washington State running backs Teondray Caldwell and Marcus Mason averaged 7.6 and 7.2 yards per rush, respectively. Arkansas State is currently the top running offense in the nation after blistering Arkansas Pine Bluff for 509 yards rushing. I'll take the Red Wolves and the points. 

Washington State at USC -16.5 Washington State played well against Auburn but USC's top line talent and a defense that looked improved against Hawaii should tell the real story. Phil Steele believes the Trojans are still one of the top teams in college football. I'll buy what he's selling for now and I'll give the points.

Notre Dame at Michigan -4.5 Both teams enter this game with legitimate reasons for optimism with promising opening game wins. Michigan sports a new look pro-style offense that got good games out of its skill position talent a week ago. Notre Dame has one of the formidable defensive lines in college football. This one will be close but Michigan's defense has progressed well enough to be able to shut down Tommy Rees and force a weakened Irish ground game to pace the team. I'll take Michigan and give the points.

Florida -3.5 at Miami Florida's defense once again looked like one of the best in the country last week, holding Toledo to 205 total yards. This week will be a tougher challenge as my Heisman dark horse Duke Johnson announced himself against FAU with 186 yards on 19 carries. Miami's defense was a liability at times last season and Florida running back Mack Brown has stepped up as a nice addition to take some pressure off QB Jeff Driskel. I'd love to take the home dog here but I think Florida is the safer play.

Syracuse at Northwestern -12 Syracuse showed some fight in a tough road loss to a B1G team last week. Expect that trend to continue. I've got to go with the Fighting Fitzys.

College Football TV Schedule

Thursday, September 5
7:00 p.m. Florida Atlantic at East Carolina - FXS1
Friday, September 6
7:00 p.m. Wake Forest at Boston College - ESPN2
7:00 p.m. Central Florida at Florida International - CBSSN
Saturday, September 7
11:00 a.m. Florida at Miami - ESPN
11:00 a.m. South Florida at Michigan State - ESPN2
11:00 a.m. Eastern Michigan at Penn State - BTN
11:00 a.m. Oklahoma State at UTSA - FXS1
11:00 a.m. South Carolina State at Clemson - NESN
11:00 a.m. Western Kentucky at Tennessee - MSG/MYTV16
11:00 a.m. Houston at Temple - SNY
11:00 a.m. Miami (Ohio) at Kentucky - FSOH
11:00 a.m. Southeastern Louisiana at TCU - FSSW

2:30 p.m. San Diego State at Ohio State - ABC/ESPN2
2:30 p.m. Oregon at Virginia - ABC/ESPN2
2:30 p.m. Toledo at Missouri - ESPNU
2:30 p.m. Buffalo at Baylor - FSSW/MSG+
2:30 p.m. Utah State at Air Force - CBSSN
2:30 p.m. Alcorn State at Mississippi - CSN
3:00 p.m. Old Dominion at Maryland - ESPNEWS
3:00 p.m. Idaho at Wyoming - RTRM
3:30 p.m. South Carolina at Georgia - ESPN
 5:00 p.m. Syracuse at Northwestern - BTN
5:00 p.m. Southern Mississippi at Nebraska - BTNa
5:30 p.m. Louisiana Lafayette at Kansas State - FXS1
6:00 p.m. Texas at BYU - ESPN2
6:00 p.m. UAB at LSU - ESPNU
6:00 p.m. West Virginia at Oklahoma - FOX
6:00 p.m. Colorado State at Tulsa - CBSSN
6:00 p.m. Stephen F Austin at Texas Tech - MSG+
6:30 p.m. Austin Peay at Vanderbilt - CSN
6:30 p.m. Arkansas State at Auburn - FSOH
7:00 p.m. Notre Dame at Michigan - ESPN
9:30 p.m. Washington State at USC - FXS1
9:30 p.m. Arizona at UNLV - CBSSN

College Football Picks Week 1

Here's your Week 1 Picks college football picks. If you bet with me you must be crazy, desperate, hammered or all the above. A fool and his money are soon to part but if you're dead set on blowing your money then I will be your enabler. This week is odd for me. I generally like the home dogs but I continually when against them when picking this week and as bad as I was last season that might not be a bad thing.

My picks are bold.

North Carolina at South Carolina -12.5 Larry Fedora started the trend of talented coaches making their way up the ranks after a start at Okie State. He's an up and comer who may be the man to fix the Tarheels but it isn't happening Game 1. Add Bryn Renner to the list of quarterbacks who will fear Mr. Clowney.

Texas Tech -6.5 at SMU Can Kliffy start things off with a one touchdown win? He better or things are about to get messy in Lubbock. I'll take Tech by 7.

Georgia -2 at Clemson I really like Clemson's squad but I've got them pulling a Clemson right out of the gate. I just like Georgia's two headed monster at running back and Aaron Murrary will be able to manage a big game scenario. Georgia will make the SEC look good in Week 1 and Clemson will rebound and finish 10-1.

Alabama -20.5 vs. Virginia Tech You know why Nick Saban is so good in bowl games? Because if you give him a month to prepare then its Game Over even before it starts. Much has been made about the Hokies finishing last season strong but those late season games were against some paltry opponents. Expect the Tide to roll large even with the big spread.

LSU -5.5 vs. TCU I may be reading too much into what is probably no more than a self serving decision but I think Les Miles may have outsmarted Gary Patterson in the whole Jeremy Hill kerfuffle. No you've got guys in Fort Worth asking if they think the non-suspension of an oppoising player is fair. Not to mention they've already got to deal with the distraction of their possibly now sober quarterback and some random Johnny Football questions. LSU will rally around Miles whether Hill plays or not. I like LSU in about a 10 point game.

Mississippi State vs. Oklahoma State -13 I was actually planning on going to this game in Reliant Stadium but I forgot I have my fantasy football drafts this weekend. Oklahoma State is definitely the better team but the growing pains of the developing defense and the revolving quarterbacks are going to make this interesting. I'll take Mississippi State and the points.

USC -23.5 at Hawaii Last year in Southern California the Trojans beat Hawaii by 39. The Warriors couldn't get things together and went 3-9 in 2012. Norm Chow is familiar with Lane Kiffin as the two have both served as Pete Carroll's offensive coordinator but Kiffin has Marqise Lee on his side and Chow has zilch. USC is going to play both quarterbacks, Max Wittek and Cody Kessler, which could present a problem for the offense but nothing big enough for Hawaii to take advantage of. USC wins big again.

Penn State -8 vs. Syracuse Syracuse is sporting a new look this year as former DC Scott Shafer takes over as head coach with Doug Marrone taking over the Buffalo Bills (Marrone may wish he could go back now). Both teams will be starting new quarterbacks. In fact, Penn State will not announce its starter before Saturday so whoever trots out for the Nittany Lions will be a surprise but at least whoever he is will have Allen Robinson as a target. Advantage PSU. Bill O'Brien seems to get the best out of his guys. At this point I don't know if that is the case for Scott Shafer. I'll give Syracuse the 8.

BYU -1 at Virginia No pick em's this week but this is the closest thing to one. It's a matchup of two teams sporting new coordinators. BYU replaced its offensive coordinator in the offseason and Virginia replaced both its OC and DC. I'll take the team that only replaced one coordinator and the one whose coach is named Bronco. BYU wins on the road.

Northern Illinois at Iowa -3 Three reasons to take North Illinois here. One, the Huskies keep cranking out big time stat, dual threat quarterbacks and have another one back this year in Jordan Lynch. Two, Iowa is always one of those teams that struggles with a directional school in the first week and three, Iowa sort of sucks in general right now. Northern Illinois is the team I feel best about this week so inevitably it won't happen but I'm picking it anyway.

Louisiana Monroe at Oklahoma -21 Big Game Bobby Stoops picked Trevor Knight to be the next QB to lead the Sooners and never has he made a poor decision there. But will the new guy struggle Game 1? It could happen. Louisiana Monroe beat Arkansas is the first game of 2012 and put some fear into Auburn and Baylor in the following two weeks, which is hinesite doesn't seem as impressive. I'll take Oklahoma and give the 21 points, one of which at least will be a Belldozer TD run.

Washington State at Auburn -16 A matchup of offensive geniuses. This game would have been amazing if both were still coaching the best incarnations of their best teams. But it's a stalled Cougar program vs. a rebuilding War Eagle group. I'll give Guz Malzahn the edge because many of the Auburn players are actually guys he was involved in recruiting as the former OC, while Mike Leach is still sorting out which of his players he should start or lock in a shed. I've got Auburn by three touchdowns.

Boise State at Washington -3 Pardon an extremely tired cliche but this is the game where the rubber meets the road for the Steve Sarkisian era at Washington. The Huskies have a rabid fan base that will be watching this game in a very swanky new stadium. Boise State is obviously the best non AQ program in the country but if Washington wants to take the step toward competing for conference titles and finishing in the Top 25 then it has to win this game. It won't and the final chapters of Sarkisian will start being penned.

Northwestern -5.5 at California Another home dog, another road team I'm picking. Pat Fitzgerald is a great coach that has a good group coming back, including two impressive quarterbacks and a burner at running back. Sonny Dykes may help California rebound during his tenure but this a one TD win should be in the bag for the Wildcats.

Florida State -10.5 at Pittsburgh Jimbo Fisher finally shared the worst kept secret in college football when he announced that Jameis Winston would be the new starting QB for the Noles this week. Last season Pitt dropped the season opener to Youngstown State. Things won't be that bad this season but even a Florida State team trying to replace 11 NFL Draft picks can beat the Panthers by 12. I like FSU giving 11.5

Good luck. As Frank Reynolds would say...

College Football TV Schedule

Lot of good games to watch kiddos!

Thursday, August 29
5:00 p.m.     North Carolina at South Carolina ESPN
6:00 p.m.     UNLV at Minnesota BTN
6:00 p.m.     Tulsa at Bowling Green ESPNU
7:00 p.m.     Utah State at Utah FXS1
8:15 p.m.     Mississippi at Vanderbilt ESPN
9:30 p.m.     Rutgers at Fresno State ESPNU
10:00 p.m.    USC at Hawaii CBSSN

Friday, August 30
7:00 p.m.     Western Michigan at Michigan State BTN
7:00 p.m.      Florida Athletic at Miami ESPNU
7:00 p.m.      Texas Tech at SMU ESPN
7:30 p.m.      North Dakota State at Kansas State FXS1

Saturday, August 31
11:00 a.m.     Villanova at Boston College         ESPNEWS
11:00 a.m.     Purdue at Cincinnati ESPNU
11:00 a.m.     Buffalo at Ohio State ESPN2
11:00 a.m.     Massachusetts at Wisconsin         BTN
11:00 a.m.     William & Mary at West Virginia         FXS1
11:00 a.m.      Toledo at Florida MNT16
11:30 a.m.      Florida International at Maryland         FSSW
11:30 a.m.      Louisiana Tech at N.C. State         ACC
12:00 p.m.      Rice at Texas A&M ESPN
2:00 p.m.       Utah State at Utah FCSP
2:00 p.m.       Colgate at Air Force RTNW
2:30 p.m.       Temple at Notre Dame NBC
2:30 p.m.       Mississippi State at Oklahoma State ABC
2:30 p.m.       Penn State at Syracuse ESPN2
2:30 p.m.       BYU at Virginia ESPNU
2:30 p.m.       Central Michigan at Michigan BTN
3:00 p.m.       Nicholls State at Oregon FXS1
3:00 p.m.       Louisiana Lafayette at Arkansas FSSW
4:30 p.m.       Alabama at Virginia Tech ESPN
6:00 p.m.      Washington State at Auburn ESPNU
6:00 p.m.       Kentucky at Western Kentucky ESPNEWS
6:00 p.m.      Miami (OH) at Marshall CBSSN
6:00 p.m.      Old Dominion at East Carolina FCSA
6:30 p.m.      Wofford at Baylor FCSC
7:00 p.m.      Georgia at Clemson ABC
7:00 p.m.      New Mexico State at Texas LHN
7:00 p.m.      Wyoming at Nebraska BTN
8:00 p.m.       LSU vs. TCU ESPN
9:00 p.m.       Boise State at Washington FXS1
9:30 p.m.       Northwestern at California ESPN2

Sunday, Sept. 1
2:30 p.m.      Ohio at Louisville ESPN
5:00 p.m.      Colorado vs. Colorado State CBSSN

Monday, Sept. 2
7:00 p.m.      Florida State at Pittsburgh ESPN

One More Day Until College Football

Are we ready for college football? Hell yeah!

But just in case, I’ve got you covered. Actually, Athlon Sports has you covered. Why would you listen to me? You wouldn’t hire a clown to fix a leak in the john, would ya?

But here’s a link to the 100 best college football related Twitter accounts because those athletes post some stupid stuff that gets them in trouble. You don’t want to be the last one at the bar to know what Johnny Football, do ya?

And for your viewing please here are Bleacher Report Top 10 Hottest College Football fan bases in no particular order. I don’t trust their reportage but they can post some hot pictures. Texas Tech only at #23? Texas at #1 Boo!

Arizona State

Auburn

Clemson

Florida State

LSU

Mississippi

Georgia

USC

Texas

West Virginia

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama RB T.J. Yeldon

It’s impossible to take a look at Alabama’s roster and not see the talented that makes it a consensus choice for the preseason top spot. A.J. McCarron returns at quarterback and is as poised and as good a game manager as any quarterback in college football.

T.J. Yeldon may be the most talented back Alabama has had in the Nick Saban and will definitely be a first round NFL draft pick next spring. Amari Cooper is as dangerous a threat at receiver as Alabama has had since Julio Jones and is the face of a deep and talented wide receiver corps.

The offensive line, while only returning two starters, is nasty in the trenches. Cyrus Kouandijio will be the next in the rotation line of NFL caliber Tide offensive linemen.

Looking at the Crimson Tide’s defensive rankings from a season ago you see a lot of 1’s, as in the best nationally in rush defense, total defense and scoring defense, allowing only 10.9 points per game. Bama wasn’t too shabby against the pass either, finishing seventh nationally.

The defense will have some new faces this season but at the peak point of its dynasty Alabama is simply plugging in a different hungry five star recruit to begin his assault against SEC offenses.

Stinson returns at defensive end and had 8.5 tackles for a loss in 2012. Bama brings back all four of its starting linebackers in its 3-4 alignment, including All-SEC favorite C.J. Mosley.

In the secondary Alabama brings back one of the best safeties and the best name in the SEC in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The Tide should be laughing at opposing offenses all season. I have Alabama at 11-0-1.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #2 Oregon Ducks

Oregon QB Marcus Mariota

While much has been made about the loss of Chip Kelly to the NFL not near enough has been said about what still remains at Oregon. While Kelly was responsible for taking former coach Mike Bellotti’s blueprint for a house and building a mansion in its place, his best contractor Mark Helfrich is fully capable of continuing to build the Oregon program.

Helfrich, the offensive coordinator in 2012, assumes control of machine powered by Nike money that continues to churn out talented quarterbacks, standout running backs and NFL caliber defenders. New offensive coordinator Scott Frost inherits an offensive unit led by returning starter Marcus Mariota, who in one season at the helm, eclipsed what many of his predecessors had accomplished in a single season, passing for 2,677 yards and 32 TDs and rushing for 752 yards and five TDs.

Mariota is joined by all-purpose nightmare De’Anthony Thomas, who had 1,757 total yards and 18 TDs in 2012, making an impact at running back, receiver and in the return game. Byron Marshall will accept some of the rushing chores left from Kenjon Barner’s move to the NFL.

Aside from Thomas, Mariota will also have three returning starters at receiver, Josh Huff, Keanon Lowe and Daryle Hawkins and a returning tight end Colt Lyerla as targets. The line returns line starters from 2012 and the two new faces on the starting line are seniors.

The Ducks return seven starters on a balanced defense that finished in the middle of the pack against the run and pass but were 25th nationally in scoring defense, giving up 21.6 points per game.

Oregon should improve a passing defense that finished 56th nationally with the return of all four defensive backs from last season. The team also has depth and experience along the defensive line which should be able to produce the departed Dion Jordan’s productivity.

Before breaking down the schedule fully I thought Stanford was the better choice for Pac 12 North champ but Oregon’s schedule breaks down nicely.

The matchup in Palo Alto Nov. 7 should be for the division and although a road game at Washington presents a hostile environment I can’t see the Ducks losing to any team other than Stanford. I have Oregon at 11-0-1.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #3 Ohio State Buckeyes

OSU QB Braxton Miller

Urban Meyer may be under fire for giving players second chances (and third and fourth chances) but no one is questioning his ability to get the best out of the behaviorally challenged gang he puts on the field.

Before Meyer got to Columbus the Buckeyes were the subject of an NCAA investigation that resulted in Jim Tressel’s firing and a one year bowl ban, and had just suffered through a 6-7 season under overmatched interim coach Luke Fickell. A year later Ohio State is coming off a 12-0 season and returns 15 starters, including one of the best quarterbacks in college football in Braxton Miller.

Miller will be the focal point for an offense that also showcases two potential All-Conference performers at wideout with Corey Brown and Devin Smith and a talented stable of backs.

Running back Carlos Hyde will miss the first three games of the season after an offseason allegation of abuse against a female club patron gained national attention at the same time Meyer was being publicly tongue lashed about recruiting and enabling troublemakers, including alleged murderer Aaron Hernandez. In his stead Miller can hand off to speedster senior Jordan Hall who will run behind a line that returns four players who started every game in 2012.

The defense came together well by the end of last season, due partially to familiarity with its coordinator, Fickell, who moved to DC from interim head coach after being retained by Meyer. While the Buckeyes were good against the run last season and efficient in the red zone the unit will need to improve against the pass, finishing 76th nationally in pass defense in 2012.

Defensive ends Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington will be relied on to create more sacks and push opposing passers to throw more errant balls where an experienced defensive back corps that includes All-American candidate Bradley Roby.

Linebacker Ryan Shazier, an All-Big Ten selection in 2012 and the second leading tackler in the conference will be the leader of the defensive unit.

Ohio State’s schedule shakes out nicely for a run to the Big Ten Championship Game and possibly the BCS national Championship finale. There are no definite losses on the slate and there are 10 easily winnable games, with close contests looming at Northwestern and at Michigan. I have the Buckeyes at 10-0-2.

BYB Top 25 Countdown = #4 Stanford Cardinal

Stanford QB Kevin Hogan

David Shaw has filled in nicely for Jim Harbaugh, taking his alma mater to consecutive BCS Bowls, including last season’s Rose Bowl win against Wisconsin. The Carindal’s pro-style offensive attack and power football style remains in stark contrast to the Pac 12’s spread focus and that difference in style has seemed to assist Stanford in consistent, focused play.

Kevin Hogan returns as starting quarterback after taking over when Josh Nunes was injured against Colorado. Hogan was thrown into the fire as the Cardinal’s last three games were against ranked teams in Oregon State, Oregon and UCLA.

The then freshman weathered the storm with a 3-0 record and added wins in the Pac 12 Championship rematch with UCLA and in the Rose Bowl. He finished the season with 1,096 yards and nine TDs and completed 71 percent of his passes.

Hogan will be breaking in new starters at running back and receiver but Tyler Gaffney has significant experience in the backfield and Ty Montgomery is primed for a breakout season at receiver after being slowed by injuries in his career.

The offensive line is deep, experienced and one of the best in the country. David Yankey should be another All-American at guard for the Cardinal and three other returning senior starters will likely have a chance to play pro as well.

The defense returns eight starters from a group that was dynamic defending the run in 2012, finishing fifth nationally in rush defense and 11th nationally in scoring defense. Defensive ends Ben Gardner and Henry Anderson are the best pair of ends in the conference and team leader Shayne Skov and dynamic A.J. Tarpley should be the soul of the talented defense. The defensive back corps returns starters in cornerback Alex Carter and safeties Jordan Richards and Ed Reynolds.

Stanford lost two games by a total of 10 points last season and has a more forgiving schedule this season. Road games at Oregon State and USC will be challenging, as will home bouts with UCLA and Oregon but the defense will be stellar. If the skill position players produce then Stanford could be playing in the BCS Championship Game finale. I have Stanford at 9-0-3.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #5 South Carolina Gamecocks

No other player than Johnny Football is as big a star as Jadeveon Clowney. For the time being though, all of the hype around Clowney comes from his play on the field. Sure, there was intriguing talk about a meeting with Jay Z but the meet did not violate NCAA rules and meeting a rap legend is an opportunity most would not pass up, despite what it means for his future representation.



The hit Clowney had in the Outback Bowl against Michigan was ESPN’s top play for months and was only ushered out of its place by a touchdown run by a child with cancer in Nebraska’s spring game. No in game play in any sport in recent memory captured our attention like Clowney’s hit.

The junior defensive end spearheads a talented defense that returns four other starters, including overshadowed defensive line mate Kelcy Quarles who could very well join Clowney on the All-SEC first team defensive line. The Gamecocks also return three starting defensive backs who should benefit from Clowney instilling fear in at least three opposing quarterbacks by his count. That number will grow this season.

It’s not like Steve Spurrier to be overshadowed but that what has Clowney has done to his sneaky good offense. Sure, the Gamecocks aren’t going to be confused for Oregon anytime soon but Connor Shaw is effective running the zone read and has the ability to hit open passers.

No shoes? No shirt? No Spurrier

Dylan Thompson will pitch in quarterback in more traditional passing situations and both QBs have a good group of undersized targets in returning starter Bruce Ellington and juniors Damiere Byrd and Nick Jones.

The offensive line returns four starters who will be counted on to open holes for running backs Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds who will be replacing Marcus Lattimore.

The trip to Georgia Sept. 7 will be an early barometer for this Gamecock squad but they will be fortunate as the Bulldogs travel to play Clemson the week before and could be worn out. The middle of the year is filled with easily winnable games so any loss before the Nov. 16 date with Florida in Columbia would be a true slip up.

The season finale rivalry game with Clemson will be testy given Clowney’s assertion that Tiger QB Tajh Boyd is afraid of him but the Gamecocks have won the last four against Clemson. I have South Carolina at 9-0-3.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #6 Clemson Tigers

One of the most repeated memes (I didn’t know what a meme was until a few weeks ago) is pulling a Clemson. Think of it like getting Munsoned from Kingpin. Clemson seems to have the cat by the tail (pardon one of the worst puns ever) and falls flat when we all think its going to be their year.



In 2012 Clemson lost early to Florida State but crawled back into the national conversation only to lose once again to intrastate rival South Carolina.  The wound of the fourth consecutive loss to the Gamecocks likely got infected during SEC Media Days when Jadeveon Clowney said that Clemson QB Tajh Boyd is afraid of him. We’ll have to see if Boyd cowers when he sees Clowney Nov. 30 in Columbia.

Until then Tiger fans hope Boyd sees Sammy Watkins clearly. The speedy junior wideout returns after missing time from a drug suspension and injury last season. Watkins set the Clemson single season receiving record in 2011, only to see the record beat by former Cock DeAndre Hopkins.

Clemson WR Sammy Watkins

Boyd will have an more unfamiliar face lining up behind him as RB Andre Ellington is gone to the NFL and Rod McDowell replaces him. McDowell will have the good fortune to run behind a line returning four starters.

Defensive coordinator Brett Venables improved the Clemson in 2012 and brings back five from last season’s squad, including three of four defensive linemen. Vic Beasley, the only new starter on the line had 8.5 sacks in spot duty last season.

Linebackers Spencer Shuey and Quandon Christian return at outside backer positions and Stephone Anthony has logged a lot of time in the middle. The secondary is young but talented.

The two teams that beat Clemson in 2012 remain obstacles this season but Florida State returns only 11 starters and must travel to Clemson. The Tigers have the talent to beat South Carolina but the recent trend of losses and road environment give me reason to predict a loss. The mood for the season will be set in the season opener against Georgia in Clemson, which I have as a push game, putting Clemson at 9-1-2.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #7 Louisville Cardinals

Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater

The hype associated with Louisville going into the 2013 season centers entirely around quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who has been ceded the preseason title of best available quarterback in the next NFL Draft.

As Geno Smith, Matt Barkley and Brady Quinn can attest, the title is fleeting. Bridgewater appears to be a talented prospect with 3,178 yards/27 TDs/8 INTs in 2012 but the junior passer need only be a babysitter in 2013 to lead Louisville to what could easily be an undefeated season.

Gone from the Cardinals’ schedule are Syracuse and UCONN, not the most imposing of opponents, but the only two to best the Cards last season.

Offensively, Bridgewater will have familiar targets to throw to the teams top three receivers from 2012 and add talented transfer from Florida, Robert Clark. The running back position has been by committee at Louisville as the Cards have been besieged by injury in the last two seasons. Dominique Brown and Senorise Perry return after both missed time last season with knee injuries.

Louisville returns eight starters on defense, including experienced safeties Hakeem Smith and Calvin Pryor and cornerback Terell Floyd. Linebacker Preston Brown will be entrusted to quarterback the defense from the middle linebacker spot after moving over from the outside in 2012.

The Cardinals play one of the softer schedules in college football. There are no definite losses on their schedule but road games at Kentucky and Cincinnati in the season finale look like push games and the game against Rutgers Oct. 10 in Louisville could decide the American Athletic Conference champion. I have Louisville at 10-0-2.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #8 Texas A&M Aggies



Aggie tackle Jake Matthews


Look, I could use this preview as another opportunity to blast college football’s favorite celebrity clown as I love to do but that isn’t fair. It’s too easy. So here’s a Manziel free preview.

A&M did what everyone outside of Bryan/College Station thought was impossible going into the 2012 season – the Aggies competed for the SEC West Division title. The Ags beat college football’s best in Tuscaloosa. Years down the road when we look back and assess Alabama’s dynasty Texas A&M will be discussed just as Texas is whenever USC’s Pete Carroll era dynasty is brought up.

That said, the season wasn’t perfect as A&M was beat twice at home, by Florida and LSU. While Florida is gone from the 2013 schedule, LSU remains and this year the game is in Death Valley. That trip will likely be just as daunting as hosting the revenge showdown with Alabama.

Offensively the Aggies bring back the team’s top two backs, Ben Malena and Trey Williams, who should help lead a rushing attack that finished 11th in the country in 2012. Mike Evans is back at receiver and his tall frame ensures that no ball is out of reach.

The line is without Luke Joeckel, the #2 pick in the 2012 NFL draft, but Jake Matthews will shift over to the left side to guard the blind side and two other starters return from last year’s great line.

The Aggies will have to rebound on defense as the team returns only four starters from a year ago. The team will be relying on players like Kirby Ennis and Steven Jenkins to have strong returns from injury and for instant contributions from new additions like JUCO linebacker Tommy Sanders.

A&M was torched in pass defense last year and corners Deshazor Everett and De’Vante Harris will be needed to pull together an experienced group that will have to be the strength of the defense.

Assuming the QB Who Shall Not Be Named rises from the ashes of his Summer of Goon and is available to lead the team, I see the Aggies with no definite losses but with torturous push games against LSU and Alabama and the potential for failure in a trap game at Ole Miss.

If he isn’t around all bets are off as Arkansas, Auburn, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State immediately get upgraded to push games and LSU and Alabama become definite losses. With Manziel I have the Ags 9-1-2, without him it’s more like 5-2-5.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #9 Georgia Bulldogs

In the words of a great homeless man - "When you best the Georgia Bulldogs you gonna feel a bulldog bite!"



This seems to be the year Bulldog enthusiasts are pointing to as UGA’s year to shine and looking at the Dawgs’ talent; it’s easy to see why. Georgia returns 10 players from an offensive unit that scored 38 points per game in 2012.

Aaron Murray returns for what seems like his sixth season and he has the best backfield tandem in the country in Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. Gurley, who was one of my fantasy backs last year, earned first team All-SEC honors after rushing for 1,385 yards and 17 TDs.

Despite the dynamic play of Gurley and Marshall, Georgia actually generated more offense through the air last season and Murray will have big play receiver Malcolm Mitchell back to stretch the field and Artie Lynch at tight end. Georgia did a poor job of protecting Murray but four starters come back on the line and should do a better job this season.

The Bulldog defense will be short on experience this season as the team returns only three starters on that side of the ball. The two deep is still tenuous and UGA will be counting on underclassmen to get settled into position quickly in fall practice. Two of the three returning starters, linebacker Amarlo Herrera and Damian Swann, figure to compete for All-Conference.

The young defense will be tested early and often as Georgia starts the season with Palmetto state showdowns, traveling to Clemson in the season opener and hosting South Carolina in its second game.

After a tune up against North Texas the Dawgs hosts LSU. If Georgia is 4-0 at the end of that slate then it has to be the #1 team in the country but it could just as easily be 1-3. Those three games and the Cocktail party showdown in Jacksonville against Florida are push games. I have Georgia at 8-0-4.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #10 Florida Gators

Florida QB Jeff Driskel

Will Muschamp and the Gators turned the corner in 2012, going 11-1 in the regular season before a disappointing loss to Louisville in the Sugar Bowl. The main talking point for Florida going into this season is the expected improvement Jeff Driskel will have this season.

Driskel averaged only 137 yards passing per game in 2012 but was efficient, throwing only five picks. He will be expected to open up the Florida offense that was largely dependent on the running of the now departed Mike Gillislee. Matt Jones replaces Gillislee at running back and senior all-purpose player Trey Burton will also see action out of the backfield.

At receiver the Gators are young and thin so contributors will have to develop as the season goes on to complement the returning Quinton Dunbar.

The Gators return only four players on defense but there is a great pool of talent. Dominique Easley who was a beast at end for the Gators in 2012 moves inside to tackle and will be an All-American candidate. He will be replaced at end by talented newcomers Johnathan Bullard, Dante Fowler and junior Ronald Powell, who is back after an ACL injury.

The Gators are young at linebacker but Antonio Morrison had a great season as a contributor and should lead a good group. Florida’s defensive strength may be at defensive back where the team returns starters in Marcus Roberson, Louchelz Purifoy and Jaylen Watkins.

Florida’s non-conference schedule features scrimmages with Toledo and Georgia Southern but also tough push games with intrastate, non-conference rivals Miami and Florida State. The Gators will also be tested in its annual Cocktail Party game against Georgia and in trips to Death Valley to play LSU and to Columbia to play South Carolina. I have Florida at 8-1-3

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #11 Florida State Seminoles

FSU CB Nick Waisome

Reloading is the mantra for the Florida State in 2013. After rebounding with a 12-2 record last year, including wins in the ACC Championship Game and Orange Bowl, the Seminoles have lost half the starters from the team. Florida State outpaced the SEC with the most players drafted to the NFL and the incoming group will have to gain familiarity quickly to match last season’s success.

Gone to the Buffalo Bills is quarterback and team leader E.J. Manuel and gone to West Virginia is top backup Clint Trickett, who left the team only four days after the Seminoles’ spring game. Redshirt freshman Jameis Winston is the odds on favorite to take over the position, though coach Jimbo Fisher continually reiterated during ESPN interviews in late July that sophomore Jacob Coker remains in the mix.

Whoever wins the QB battle will have a new running back to hand off to as Devonta Freeman takes over the starting job, with James Wilder providing short yardage running. Rashad Greene, who has 1,337 yards receiving in two seasons, is back at receiver and leads a deep group. The one area the Seminoles are not fighting inexperience is on the offensive line where the team returns four starters.

Secondary will be the strength for the Seminole defense as three starters return from the best pass defensive in the country in 2012. Florida State only surrendered 161.9 yards a game through the air a year ago and cornerbacks Nick Waisome and Lamarcus Joyner and safety Terrence Brooks will be counted on the continue the good play.

Only Christian Jones returns in the front seven but Mario Edwards Jr., who played in 11 games last season and was the top recruit in the country in 2012, should lead up a line deep on talent.

Florida State lost to intrastate rival Florida last season after breaking the Gators’ six year win streak with a 31-7 win in 2010 and a second straight win in 2011. There’s been many repeat winners in the recent history of the rivalry and I don’t see that changing in 2013 as I have Florida as the Seminoles’ only definite loss of the season. A road game in Death Valley (Clemson) looks like a loss and the annual showdown with Miami should be another close contest as well. I have Florida State at 9-2-1.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #12 Oklahoma State Cowboys

OSU LB Shaun Lewis

Coming into this season the biggest question is which of the Cowboys’ impressive quarterbacks will be the opening game starter? That decision got easier to make when Wes Lunt opted to transfer to Illinois.

The battle now is between Clint Chelf and J.W. Walsh, with Chelf, who started the Cowboys’ last five games and threw for 1,500+ yards and 15 TDs, looking to be the favorite heading into fall practice.

Should Chelf go down Walsh is an apt replacement as the sophomore also threw for just over 1,500 yards and 15 TDs in 2012. Both quarterbacks will have the good fortune to pass to some of the Big 12’s best receivers in Josh Stewart, Tracy Moore and Charlie Moore.

The offensive line returns three starters that helped OSU be the fourth best total offense and third best scoring offense in the NCAA.

On defense the Cowboys return seven starters led by All-Big 12 caliber defensive tackle Calvin Barnett and linebacker Shaun Lewis. Both will be expected to help develop young, promising players like defensive Tyler Johnson in order to improve the team’s turnover rate that was the best in the nation in 2011 but slumped last season. Senior Daytawion Lowe leads an experienced defensive back group.

The Cowboys were picked ahead of rejuvenated Texas and conference stalwart and intrastate rival Oklahoma by the media during Big 12 Media Days. Okie State will have to play ride out a season with a bull’s-eye on its back while developing a struggling defense.

That will be too much to ask for an entire season and I don’t see the Cowboys escaping Austin with a win Nov. 16. They’ll also be pushed in home games against TCU, Baylor and Oklahoma but the confines of Boone Pickens Stadium could give them the edge. I have Oklahoma State at 8-1-3.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #13 Boise State Broncos

Boise State DE Demarcus Lawrence

While conference realignment and the death of the Big East left Boise State still on the outside looking in to the power structure in college football, the Broncos’ consistency in the Chris Petersen era is the envy of many of the big five conferences’ schools.

Boise State has been to a bowl game every year since 2001 and had another impressive season in 2012 (11-2, Las Vegas Bowl win), which at this point, probably feels like a letdown to the Broncos.

Joe Southwick is another in the line of highly productive passers for Boise that includes Kellen Moore and Jared Zebransky. The senior threw for 2,730 yards and 19 TDs after taking over for Moore and got better as the season went along. Southwick will rely on a veteran line that features three seniors. Junior receiver Matt Miller is one of the better possession receivers in the country.

Defensively, the Broncos returns four starters on a unit that was once again one of the best in the country, ranking fifth in pass defense, eight in scoring defense and 12th in total defense, nationally. The strength of this year’s Bronco defense will be along the defensive line where Boise returns three starters from a unit that led the Mountain West in sacks in 2012.

Ends Demarcus Lawrence and Sam Ukwuachu and tackle Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe will pace the Broncos and look to create turnovers. The linebackers are entirely new for Boise State as are the cornerbacks but the safeties are experienced, including Jeremy Ioane, who should compete for All-MWC honors.

In an ever changing Mountain West that doesn’t resemble the one just a few years ago there are still a lot of easy wins for Boise State. Expect the Broncos to be pushed in trips to Washington, Fresno State, Utah State and San Diego State but this season has the potential for an undefeated record. I have Boise State at 8-0-4.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - #14 LSU Tigers

LSU QB Zach Mettenberger

The team generating the least amount of buzz in the SEC heading into the season is also the program that’s been the most consistently competitive and successful in the last decade – LSU.

Les Miles’ squad is sporting a lot of new faces this season as the team returns only nine starters, six on offense and three on defense. Among the news faces is offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, whose sacrificial lamb style midseason firing from the Baltimore Ravens sparked the team’s run to the Super Bowl.

Cameron’s top objective will be polishing quarterback Zach Mettenberg who had a decent season in his first full year as a starter in 2012, passing for 2,069 yards and 12 TDs in a game manager type role.

Mettenberger will have two of his top targets from last season, Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, at his disposal so the pass could figure more prominently in the Tigers’ offensive gameplan but running the ball will continue to be LSU’s prime focus. The Tigers welcomed Jeremy Hill back to the team after suspending him for a sucker punch that a judge later ruled did not violate his probation. Hill and top reserves Alfred Blue and Kenny Hilliard form a great tandem and will run behind a line that returns three starters.

Miles and defensive coordinator have the tough task of restocking a defense hit hard by the loss of upperclassmen. Linebacker Lamin Barrow returns to lead the team from the middle linebacker spot. He tallied 104 tackles and 7.5 tackles as a junior. The secondary will be the strength of the defense as Jalen Mills returns at corner and Craig Loston returns at safety. Despite being a first year starter, expect Anthony Johnston to be an All-SEC contender and another in the line of great LSU defensive tackles.

While the Tigers suffered key losses all over the field the schedule is winnable. LSU starts with a tough game in Arlington against LSU but should have enough to beat a Horned Frog that wasn’t that great a year ago.

LSU will be a heavy underdog against Alabama for the first time in Les Miles’ career and it looks like a loss with all that Alabama brings back. The Tigers will also be tested at Georgia and in home games against Florida and Texas A&M. I have LSU at 8-2-2.

BYB Top 25 Countdown - # 15 Miami Hurricanes

Miami running back Duke Johnson

Going into last season it looked like Al Golden had every reason to bail. The Hurricanes were 6-6 in 2011 with five losses in ACC play and a NCAA scandal that would make Pete Carroll and Jim Tressell blush had just been reported. The sanctions facing Miami would surely be harsh and long.

A year later the Hurricanes are coming off a 7-5 season, with five conference wins, and enter the season with a experienced, confident quarterback and a potential All-American at running back. Oh, not to mention, the NCAA made a debacle of the investigation into Miami’s violations and the Hurricanes could very likely escape this situation with only its own, self induced restrictions.

The Hurricanes are the sure favorite to win the Coastal Division and play either Florida State or Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. Stephen Morris returns at quarterback after throwing for 3,345 yards and 21 TDs last season, and Miami has a true game breaker lining up behind him in running back Duke Johnson, who was a Freshman All-American in 2012 with 2,000 + all-purpose yards.  The Canes also return six of its top receivers from a year ago, including wideout Phillip Dorsett, who had 842 yards receiving.

While much optimism exists regarding the Canes entering the season, the defense remains a point of concern. Miami was 82nd nationally in scoring defense in 2012, giving up 31.4 points per game, which is actually not as bad as it could have been, as Miami was 116th nationally in total defense. Surrendering almost 32 points a game was a sign of bending but not breaking.

Defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio, who followed Golden to Miami from Temple, will have to improve the defense, beginning with the pass rush. Miami had only 13 sacks in 2012 and will need a group of returning players, including ends Anthony Chickillo and Shayon Green, to join incoming players like Devante Bond, Ufomba Kamula and Al Quadin Muhammad and better get after opposing passers, A better pass rush should help a Cane secondary that snagged only five passes last season but expect to see many new faces in the secondary as well.

Miami has the talent to compete with every team on their schedule and no definite losses exist for the team, despite the fact that it may have to play in a lot of shootouts. With Morris, Johnson and a bevy of talented receivers to rely on the Canes can stay in any game but they will play a lot of close ones. I have the Canes at 8-0-4 with push games against Florida and Virginia at home and on the road at North Carolina and Florida State.